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Unsupported 16-bit Application Error: 5 Ways to Fix it

Your computer might be under attack!

5 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

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Have you ever encountered an unsupported 16-bit application error? Perhaps while trying toinstall an old gameor just out of a sudden (which may be a sign yourPC is infected by a virus).

Whatever the case, join us in the next few paragraphs, as today, we’ll explain everything about the unsupported 16-bit application error – what it is, when it happens, and how to fix it.

What is the unsupported 16-bit application error?

The Unsupported 16-bit application error is a weird glitch error to happen in your Windows PC.

It’s most commonly accompanied by the pop-up message explaining that the app cannot start or run due to compatibility issues with 64-bit versions of Windows and that you should contact the software vendor for the 64-bit compatible version.

It typically occurs when:

All in all, encountering such an error out of the blue is your computer telling you there’s something wrong and you need to fix it. However, if you’re trying to install a 16-bit app on your new Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, you will have to find some workaround.

How do I fix an unsupported 16-bit application?

1. Enable Compatibility Mode

If you’re sure your app isn’t 16-bit and it suddenly started displaying this error message, you may try to tweak its compatibility settings.

Enabling compatibility mode tricks the operating system into running the application as if it were running on an older version of Windows. This can often resolve the unsupported 16-bit application error.

2. Fix corrupted files with System File Checker

The SFC and DISM commands help you repairsystem file corruption, which is also a common reason behind the application error.

Besides this manual process, you can also perform these steps even safer and faster withspecialized third-party repair software.

3. Scan for viruses

The most common reason for the unsupported 16-bit application error is a virus infection. Don’t worry! Performing a deep scan with Windows built-in tool or with yourreliable antivirus softwareshould get rid of the issue.

4. Perform a clean boot

If you’re unable to identify which application is causing the issue, then it might be a good idea to perform a clean boot. This way, you’ll be able to determine the culprit app.

5. Reinstall the affected application

However, if you’re looking for a way toenable 16-bit application support in Windows 10 or 11, you have to do some additional manual work (hint: the most common fix issetting up a virtual machine).

Also, you may want to learn how to install andplay old games on your Windows 11machine.

That’s it for today! We hope you managed to resolve your unsupported 16-bit application error. If not, as always, you can leave your comments or questions below, and we’ll get back to you.

Unsupported 16-bit Application Error: 5 Ways to Fix it#

What is the unsupported 16-bit application error?#

How do I fix an unsupported 16-bit application?#

1. Enable Compatibility Mode#

2. Fix corrupted files with System File Checker#

3. Scan for viruses#

4. Perform a clean boot#

5. Reinstall the affected application#